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Top Ten Motorcycle Brands in the World

by 1:15 AM

In addition to the Japanese Big Four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha), the list of top-selling motorcycle manufacturers includes companies based in Italy, the U.S., Austria, and the UK.

Honda

Honda's motorcycle division sells more than 15 million motorcycles annually, which makes it world's leading manufacturer. One of the factors driving the company's sales is its popularity in Asian markets. Yet Honda also dominates in North America.

Ducati

The Italian brand headquartered in Bologna manufactures motorcycles since 1935. Ducati is known for its powerful sport bikes. The company has a long and successful racing history, which started in 1951. Today it spends over 7% of its revenues on racing business. The brand belongs to Audi through its subsidiary Lamborghini.

Harley-Davidson

Great 20th-21st century history and exhilarating riding experience give Harley-Davidson the status of the legend bike company. This brand is familiar almost to everybody, even those who have never ridden a bike in their lives.

Yamaha

Yamaha bikes are known for excellent performance, ride quality and comparatively easy handling. Yamaha is almost as successful as another famous Japanese manufacturer, Honda. Moreover, the number of dirt bikes it sells exceeds Honda and Yamaha combined.

Kawasaki

The Motorcycle & Engine division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries gained recognition as a manufacturer of a wide range of bikes, from very small to sport ones. These motorcycles are loved all over the world for their powerful and reliable engines, capable of developing great speed. There are production sites in Japan, North America, Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Suzuki

One more representative of the Japanese Big Four. The GSXR 750 and the DR 400 are among the most popular Suzuki motorcycles. The company has over 35 production facilities in more than 20 countries.

KTM

During its first years the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer specialized in 2-stroke and 4-stroke off-road motorcycles, but in the course of time its product range grew wider. In addition to dirt bikes, it now includes street motorcycles and sports cars. The brand belongs to CROSS Industries AG and Bajaj Auto Limited.

BMW Motorrad

BMW is one of the oldest motorcycles manufacturers. The company's first bike was made in 1923. BMW Motorrad is famous for its road bikes, sports-touring bikes and sport bikes. Some of the most well-known models are the GS Adventure, the S 1000 REFRIGERATORS, and the K1600.

Triumph

The largest motorcycle maker in the UK, Triumph specializes in road bikes that belong to the cruiser, naked, and sport classes. The Triumph brand is owned by BMW.

Victory

Victory is a comparatively new brand, it started production of motorcycles in 1998. Its large-displacement cruisers are famous all over the world. The company based in the U.S. has its final assembly facility in Iowa.
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you are probably interested in more information on moto brandsand their history, as well as motorcycle specifications.

Types of Motorcycles to Choose From

by 2:45 AM

With so many different models of motorcycles to choose from, it can be quite confusing if you don’t know what you are looking for. Each motorcycle is classified by a particular type. This helps clarify what you will be getting with a particular model that falls under that particular category.

The most common type of motorcycle is the cruiser. These are very easy to handle and long lasting motorcycle models. This category also offers the consumer the most choice when it comes to style and design. The basic design of a cruiser features a standard seat, basic handle bars, and comfort. They are designed for easy turning as well as excellent handling even at top speeds. One draw back of cruisers is that they tend to be on the heavy side compared to other types of motorcycles.

Most custom motorcycles also fall under the category of a cruiser because of some of the design features and what the use they are designed for. Radically modified custom motorcycles referred to as choppers are also a type of cruiser bike. Another popular type of cruiser is the tour bike. This is designed for comfort at they are used for cross country trips and other long travels that you will want to be comfortable for.

Sport bikes are defined by their speed. If you are looking more for sheer power than for comfort, this is the category of bike for you. This type of bike generally isn’t recommended for long rides as they are designed for racing. Most sport bikes feature a sturdy suspension, and they are very light. They offer the operator the ability to make tight turns at neck breaking speeds.

A great combination option is the dual-sport style of motorcycle. This type of model features large tires and it can be ridden on any street or off road surface with ease. This is a great feature for someone who enjoys riding their motorcycle for commuting purposes as well as enjoys the off road excitement.

Many foreign sport bikes are referred to as Crotch Rockets. This is because the design of them requires the individual to lean forward towards the handle bars while riding. While many owners of these bikes find the position to be very comfortable so individuals find that it is uncomfortable compared to the position on a cruiser.

Off Road motorcycles are enjoyed by individuals of all ages as you don’t have to have a motorcycle license to legally ride one. They are illegal to ride on streets though. These types of bikes are often used for climbing dirt hills or racing around dirt tracks. They are commonly called dirty bikes by those who ride them. These types of motorcycles don’t feature headlights or turn signals.

Deciding which category of motorcycle you wish to purchase is only the beginning of the selection process. You will also need to determine the amount of money you wish to spend on a motorcycle, then compare the various models in that category that fit your price range. Take your time and try out several different models as well as brands of motorcycles. This will help you determine which ones feel the best to you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, take each for a test run to help you make a final decision. 

How to Negotiate the Best Price on a Motorcycle

by 2:36 AM
Getting the motorcycle you want is very exciting, but you need to know how to negotiate the best price. Why pay more for it than you have to? Don’t get so absorbed by the idea of having it that you will stop at nothing to get it. In most cases, you will be purchasing a motorcycle on credit with monthly installment payments. Do your best to reduce the number of payments you have to make as well as the amount of each one.

Take your time deciding what type of motorcycle you really want. If it doesn’t fit into your budget then you may have to decide to save up more money to get it or decide to go with a less expensive model for the time being. You always have the option of trading up in the future. However, many motorcycle enthusiasts find half of the fun is owning the exact motorcycle they want, regardless of the cost.

Start by finding the retail price on the motorcycle you want. This information can be found at various online sites including that of the manufacturer. Most dealerships add at least 10% to that base price. You can expect them to add on another 15% to cover delivery fees, documents, and taxes. Most dealerships will also try to get you to purchase an extended warranty for the motorcycle. This is optional, so make sure you take a look at what it is offering. If you don’t think you need the coverage then don’t be pressured into buying it.

Most motorcycle deals will allow you to trade in an older model on your new one. It is very important that you do your homework in this area as well. Find out exactly what the book value of your trade in is worth including the accessories it offers and the mileage of the bike. You can also find this information on the internet. Of course if you owe anything on the trade, make sure the amount you get for it is sufficient to cover the loan. You may find it to your advantage to sell your used bike first to a private individual, then use that money as a down payment on a new one. Most dealers are more likely to offer you a price break if you have a substantial down payment to offer.

Financing is a key issue when searching for a motorcycle. It is to your advantage to get a loan pre-approved before you start negotiating with a dealership. This will allow you to know the maximum amount of money you can finance. You can also look for financing that offers the lowest interest rates for your credit rating. This is going to save you money over the term of the loan. In most cases you will get lower rates securing financing from a lender on your own rather than those the dealership offers.


Taking the time to do your homework and compare prices will assist you in obtaining the motorcycle you want at the best possible price. You can use that extra savings to buy motorcycle accessories with or for planning a motorcycle road trip. If a dealership isn’t willing to negotiate with you once you have decided the maximum amount you will pay for a bike, then go find a dealership that will.

Finding the Type of Motorcycle that is Right for You

by 2:28 AM
Purchasing a motorcycle generally involves a great deal of research before you decide on the one that is right for you. There are so many makes and models to choose from that it can also be confusing. You will want to think about your motorcycle riding experience when you are looking at the type of bike to purchase. You will also want to consider what you will be doing with your motorcycle.

There are many different types of motorcycle to consider based on your interests. Do you want a motorcycle that is known for speed? If you will be taking long road trips on your motorcycle then you definitely want one built for travel and comfort. You may also want one that offers compartments to hold your necessities while you travel. Other motorcycles are designed for riding on dirt or for competition. There are also scooters that are fun for in town.

If you are new to the feat of motorcycle riding, it is recommended that you start with a moderately priced motorcycle or even with a used one. This is because a new motorcycle can cost you $20,000. Do you want to risk scratching it up or having costly repairs from dropping the bike over? Trust me, if you are new to riding that is going to be a part of the experience! You can always purchase a newer motorcycle once you have become a seasoned rider.

Even if you have a particular style of motorcycle in mind, it has to fit your body perfectly. This may be disappointing at first, but keep in mind that if the bike doesn’t fit you there is a risk of an accident. It is also very likely that you won’t be comfortable while riding it, so what fun will that be? Of course you can always have a customized motorcycle made later on of the style you want that fits you perfectly.

The best way determine if a motorcycle is a good fit for you is to sit on the bike with the kickstand on the ground. Can you touch the ground with both feet? If not, then you need to look for a motorcycle that isn’t as tall. If you can reach the ground with both feet, can you reach the handle bars comfortably? How about the brakes and the turn signals?

Of course a very important aspect you need to consider when looking for the right motorcycle is the price. You need something that is going to fit into your budget. Do you want to purchase a used motorcycle for the amount of money you can afford? Are you willing to take out a loan to pay for a higher priced motorcycle on monthly payments? You should decide this before you even begin looking at potential motorcycles.

A motorcycle can provide you with a fun mode of transportation for fun or for commuting. Motorcycles are very inexpensive to operate and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. You will find your motorcycle to be more comfortable if you take your time and select one based on how it feels with your body shape than how the body of the bike looks. Choosing a bike that doesn’t fit well will leave you disappointed as well as raise the risk of accidents and injuries taking place.

The History of Motorcycles

by 2:20 AM
Most of us have ridden on a motorcycle at one time or another. The idea for their design came from the development of the bicycle. I guess people were looking for a faster way to move their bicycle along, or perhaps one that wasn’t as physically exerting for them. The first motorcycle every made is credited to Gottllieb Daimler in 1885. This gas powered motorcycle was basically a gas engine attached to a standard bicycle. However, Gottllieb decided not to pursue making motorcycles and choose instead to focus on manufacturing cars.

During this time period, many other individuals were also tinkering with the motorcycle concept. A couple of the men behind this experimenting were William Harley and Arthur Davidson. You guessed it, the dynamic duo behind the amazing line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have become popular all around the world since 1903.

People were very interested in this convenient mode of transportation because it was very economical. The public loved the idea of motorized transportation, but cars were still more expensive than most people could afford. However, some people soon realized that they would need to purchase a car instead of a motorcycle in order to transport their entire family.

A few of these motorcycle pioneers were able to successfully establish companies such as Harley-Davidson. However, many never had the money to start the venture properly and make it prosperous. Others left to go fight in the war and still others went bankrupt trying to market their motorcycle ideas during the Depression.


One downfall to motorcycles in the 1950’s is that you had to have a great understanding of mechanics to be able to operate one. The American bike manufacturers didn’t pursue making advances in that department until they started facing competition from Japan. They developed the electric start system that motorcycles offer today. This important feature allowed motorcycles to transform from small mopeds and scooters to powerful machines.

American motorcycle manufacturers did not see Japanese bikes as a threat, but this was as serious miscalculation on their part. It didn’t take long for American manufacturers to realize that they were losing consumers to the Japanese market. This lead to the introduction of many new models to prevent them from losing more of the market. Baby boomers continued to purchase Japanese bikes as they offered more power and were sold at an excellent price.

Motorcycles have certainly changes since their introduction. Today, the market is saturated with brand names that are well known in the motorcycle industry. Each one offers a variety of models to choose from as well as unique styles and designs. Regardless of the type of motorcycle you are interested in, you are sure to find one with the features and power you are looking for.

As the top motorcycle manufacturers continue to strive to come up with models that will please the consumer while out shining their competitors, you will have even more choices. As technology advances you will find faster, more durable, and less expensive motorcycle options on the market. Harley-Davidson continues to be in the top position, selling more motorcycles than any other manufacturer. In fact, the majority of their bikes are sold before they even leave the factory. While they remain one of the most expensive motorcycle producers, consumers are willing to pay for the quality and the power behind them.

When it comes to the motorcycle industry, consumers have come to learn that quality and reliability are more important than saving a few dollars along the way. A motorcycle is generally a large investment, and consumers want to be happy with the product they choose. The issue of brand name loyalty also comes into play with motorcycles. Since each manufacturer now offers a full line of different models and types of motorcycles, there is no reason why you can’t purchase both the brand and the style you are looking 

Learning how to Operate a Motorcycle

by 2:05 AM
The idea of riding a motorcycle is to allow you the freedom of the open air while traveling. It can also be a very inexpensive way to travel or to commute. Learning how to operate a motorcycle is very important. You don’t want to be an inexperienced operator out there with so many other vehicles on the road. The process is quick for some, and others struggle to learn how to operate one. It comes down to learning the skills and believing in your ability to make it happen.


Keep in mind that the motorcycle you learn on is going to affect how well you are able to learn to operate it. Make sure it is designed to fit you. This can be some what tricky because many people learn how to ride a motorcycle on one that belongs to someone else. However, you need to make sure the motorcycle isn’t too heavy for you. It is important that you are able to touch the ground with both feet. Reaching the gas, brakes, and handle bars are essential as well. It is a good investment to find a cheap used bike that fits your body well. Once you have successfully learned to ride it well, consider upgrading to a better bike.

Make sure you learn from someone you trust and who is patient. Nothing can add to your insecurity as someone watching over you, especially if they are concerned about you damaging their motorcycle. If you don’t have someone you can comfortably learn from then you are wasting your time. It may be a worthwhile investment to enroll in a motorcycle instruction course and learn from someone who is trained to teach this skill.

Once you have managed the basics of motorcycle riding, continue practicing. Just like driving a vehicle, you will get better as you practice. Avoid riding on busy streets, highways, or interstates until you are very comfortable with your riding skills. Practice changing lanes, turns, curves, and sudden stops as these are all things you will experience once you are operating your motorcycle on the open road.

Practice riding your motorcycle in a variety of weather situations. This will give you some very important motorcycle skills that you won’t get anywhere else. You will be amazed at how different your motorcycle operates on a sunny day versus a very windy day. Being prepared for a variety of riding conditions is going to make you a much better operator. In time you will feel comfortable enough for long trips, maybe even to some of the wonderful motorcycle rallies that take place each year.

If you start small and practice hard, learning to operate a motorcycle will be a very rewarding experience for you. Too many beginners want a new motorcycle or the same power as their friends. They either find the motorcycle to be too much to handle or seriously injure themselves riding it. This can also cause you to loose interest in the idea of learning to ride it, and result in your selling it.

The motorcycle learning process can be a great experience if you aren’t in a hurry to be driving it fast on major road ways. Like anything else, your skills will only improve as you practice and learn from your own mistakes. Operating a motorcycle is a challenge that you will proudly succeed at if you work hard and follow the safety precautions of the road. 
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